Multifunctional helmet

ABSTRACT

An exemplary multifunctional helmet includes a main body, at least one electronic device and at least one pellicular solar cell. The main body includes at least one first mounting portion and at least one second mounting portion. The at least one electronic device is mounted in the at least one first mounting portion. The at least one pellicular solar cell is mounted in the at least one second mounting portion. The at least one pellicular solar cell electrically connects to the at least one electronic device so as to provide electric energy to the at least one electronic device.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to helmets, particularly relates to a multifunctional helmet.

2. Description of Related Art

A helmet is a form of protective gear worn on the head and is a common safety gear among motor sports such as auto racing, motorcycle racing and so on. Typical helmets generally have functions of protecting the head from serious injuries and blocking sun radiation.

Nowadays, it is becoming more and more common and popular for people to carry electronic devices such as an MP3 player and a camera for entertainment. When a person rides a bicycle or a motorcycle, he/she should use both hands to operate bicycle or motorcycle to insure safety. Thus, he/she cannot use these electronic devices for entertainment while operating a bicycle or a motorcycle. The electronic devices each have a respective power supply. If the power supply is a charge battery, the charge battery needs be charged with electrical energy in order to supply power to the electronic devices. If the power supply is dry batteries, the wasted dry batteries can cause environmental pollution due to harmful and poisonous substances contain therein.

What is needed, therefore, is a multifunctional helmet that is environmental friendly and can satisfy customers who demand more functions, thereby facilitating multi-media entertainments.

SUMMARY

One present embodiment provides a multifunctional helmet. The multifunctional helmet includes a main body, at least one electronic device and at least one solar cell. The main body includes at least one first mounting portion and at least one second mounting portion. The at least one electronic device is mounted in the at least one first mounting portion. The at least one pellicular solar cell is mounted in the at least one second mounting portion. The at least one pellicular solar cell electrically is connected to the at least one electronic device so as to provide electric energy to the at least one electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present embodiments can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present embodiments. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a multifunctional helmet according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic exploded view of the multifunctional helmet shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram of the multifunctional helmet shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a pellicular solar cell mounted in the multifunctional helmet shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a camera module mounted in the multifunctional helmet shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a multifunctional helmet according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a circuit diagram of the multifunctional helmet shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of a multifunctional helmet according to a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments will now be described in detail below and with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, an exemplary multifunctional helmet 100 according to a first embodiment is shown. The multifunctional helmet 100 is a protective gear for protecting a head and is suitable for a person who is riding either a bicycle or a motorcycle to wear. The multifunctional helmet 100 includes a main body 11, a peripheral portion 12, two laces 13, a number of solar cells 20 and an electronic device such as a camera module and a media player. The solar cells 20 are pellicular solar cells. In the present embodiment, the electronic device is a camera module 30.

The main body 11 is essentially a semi-sphere-shaped. The main body 11 has an outer surface 110. The outer surface 110 has a top portion 111 and two side portions 112 on two opposite sides of the top portion 111. The main body 11 has a cavity (not shown) configured for receiving a user's head therein. Further, the main body 11 has a first mounting portion 114 and three second mounting portions 115. The first mounting portion 114 is configured for mounting an electronic device therein. In the present embodiment, the first mounting portion 114 is configured for mounting a camera module 30 therein. Each of the second mounting portions 115 is configured for mounting one solar cell 20 therein.

In the present embodiment, the first mounting portion 114 is arranged on one of the side portion 112 of the outer surface 110 of the main body 11. The first mounting portion 114 protrudes from the outer surface 110 of the main body 11, thereby forming a holding cavity (not shown) for mounting the camera module 30 therein. Three second mounting portions 115 are also arranged on an outer surface 110 of the main body 11. One second mounting portion 115 is arranged on the top portion 111 of the main body 11, the other two second mounting portions 115 are arranged on two side portions 112 of the main body 11. In the present embodiment, each of the second mounting portions 115 defines a recess on the outer surface 110 of the main body 11. Additionally, the second mounting portions 115 can have a transparent cover covering the corresponding second mounting portion 115. The transparent cover can be configured for allowing sun radiation passing therethrough and protecting the solar cells 20 mounted in the second mounting portions 115. Advantageously, the recesses of the second mounting portions 115 communicate with each other, thereby forming a channel (not shown). Thus, electronic components such as wires, resistances and capacitances can be received in the channel, thereby achieving electrical connection between the solar cells 20 mounted in the second mounting portions 115.

Advantageously, the holding cavity of the first mounting portion 114 communicates with the recesses of the second mounting portions 115, thereby forming a number of channels (not shown). Thus, electronic components such as wires, resistances and capacitances can be received in the channels, thereby achieving electrical connection between the solar cells 20 mounted in the second mounting portions 115 and the camera module 30 mounted in the first mounting portion 114.

It is noted that the main body 11 can have only one second mounting portion 115 configured for mounting one solar cell 20. It is also noted that the main body 11 can have a number of first mounting portions 114 configured for mounting a number of electronic devices.

The peripheral portion 12 extends from the main body 11 and is essentially a ring-shaped. The peripheral portion 12 further increases a protecting range of the multifunctional helmet 100. The peripheral portion 12 is used for disposing a number of switches 301 thereon for easy access. The switches 301 electrically connect with the solar cells 20 and the camera module 30 so as to control them to work.

The two laces 13 are disposed oppositely. One end of each of the two laces 13 can be connected to either the main body 11 or the peripheral portion 12. The two laces 13 are configured for fixing the multifunctional helmet 100 on the user's head firmly. It is noted that the multifunctional helmet 100 can have only one lace 13. Thus, two ends of the lace 13 should connect to either the main body 11 or the peripheral portion 12.

The solar cells 20 are mounted in the second mounting portions 115 and electrically connects with the camera module 30 mounted in the first mounting portion 114 so as to provide electrical energy to the camera module 30. Due to the flexibility of the pellicular solar cells 20, the solar cells 20 are able to conform to a figuration of the main body 11. In the present embodiment, the solar cells 20 are mounted in the second mounting portions 115, respectively. Each of the solar cells 20 conforms to a figuration of each of the second mounting portions 115 correspondingly. The solar cells 20 can be mounted in the second mounting portions 115 in many manners such as affixing and bolting. In the present embodiment, each of the solar cells 20 affixes into each of the second mounting portions 115 correspondingly.

Referring to FIG. 4, each of the solar cell 20 includes a flexible substrate 21 having a surface 210. A back-metal contact layer 22, a P-type semiconductor layer 23, a P-N junction layer 24, an N-type semiconductor layer 25, a transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer 26, and a front metal contact layer 27 are formed on the surface 210 of the flexible substrate 21 in the order written.

The flexible substrate 21 is made of polymer. The polymer can be, but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or liquid crystal polymer (LCP). The back-metal contact layer 22 can be made of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper aluminum alloy (Cu—Al), silver copper alloy (Ag—Cu), or copper molybdenum alloy (Cu—Mo). The back metal contact layer 22 can be formed on the flexible substrate 21 by sputtering. The P-type semiconductor layer 23 can be made of III-V group compound semiconductors or II-VI group compound semiconductors, for example, aluminum gallium nitride (AlGaN), aluminum gallium arsenide (AlGaAs). The P-type semiconductor layer 103 can be formed using chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The P-N junction layer 24 can be made of III-V or I-III-VI group compound semiconductors, for example, copper indium gallium diselenide (CuInGaSe₂ or CuIn_(1-x)GaSe₂, ClGS). The P-N junction layer 24 can be formed on the P-type semiconductor layer by CVD or sputtering. The N-type semiconductor layer 25 can be made of III-V group compound semiconductors or II-VI group compound semiconductors, for example, gallium nitride (GaN). The N-type semiconductor layer 105 can be formed by CVD. The TCO layer 26 can be made of indium tin oxide (ITO), zinc oxide (ZnO₂), alumina (Al₂O₃), or a composite of zinc oxide and alumina (ZnO₂—Al₂O₃). The TCO layer 26 can be formed by sputtering. The front metal contact layer 27 can be made of silver (Ag), copper (Cu), molybdenum (Mo), aluminum (Al), copper aluminum alloy (Cu—Al), silver copper alloy (Ag—Cu), or copper molybdenum alloy (Cu—Mo). The front metal contact layer 27 has a high electrical conductivity. The front metal contact layer 27 can be formed on the TCO layer 26 by sputtering.

The solar cells 20 can transform sun energy into electrical energy when the multifunctional helmet 100 is in sun radiation. The solar cells 20 can supply electrical energy to the electronic devices. In the present embodiment, the solar cells 20 supply electrical energy to the camera module 30. Advantageously, referring to FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, the three solar cells 20 are in series to supply electrical energy to the camera module 30. The solar cells 20 offer a clean and effectively inexhaustible source of energy.

The camera module 30 is mounted in the first mounting portion 114. Referring to FIG. 5, in the present embodiment, the camera module 30 includes a barrel 31, an optical unit 32, a holder 33 and an image sensing device 34.

The barrel 31 is substantially in the form of a hollow cylinder and is received in the holder 33. For example, the barrel 31 is partially screwed into the holder 33. The barrel 31 is configured (i.e., structured and arranged) for receiving the optical unit 32 therein. The barrel 31 includes a first end 311 and an opposite second end 312. The first end 311 of the barrel 31 defines an aperture 313 therein. The aperture 313 is configured for receiving light beams through into the camera module 30. The second end 312 is partially screwed into the holder 30.

The optical unit 32 includes a number of optical lenses 321 and a number of elastic spacers 322. In the present embodiment, the number of optical lenses 321 includes a first lens 3211, a second lens 3212, a third lens 3213 and a filter 3214. The first lens 3211, the second lens 3212 and the third lens 3213 are usually made of glass or resin, and can be aspherical lenses or spherical lenses. The filter 3214 includes a glass substrate, and a number of titanium oxide films and a number of silicon oxide films alternately formed on the glass substrate. The total number of the titanium oxide films and the silicon oxide films is in a range from 30 layers to 50 layers, preferably, 32 layers to 40 layers. The first lens 3211, the second lens 3212, the third lens 3213 and the filter 3214 are received in the barrel 31 from the first end 311 to the second end 312 of the barrel 31 along an optical axis 315, in the order written. The elastic spacers 322 and the optical lenses 321 are arranged alternately and received in the barrel 31 along the optical axis 315. Each of the elastic spacers 322 is configured for separating the two neighbouring optical lenses 321, thereby forming a space therebetween. Each of the elastic spacers 322 can be designed according to configurations of the two neighbouring optical lenses 321.

The holder 33 defines a cavity 331 therein. The cavity 331 is configured for partially receiving the barrel 31 and other components therein. The holder 33 includes a first end portion 332 and an opposite second end portion 333. The first end portion 332 of the holder 33 is coupled with the second end 312 of the barrel 31 so that the holder 33 engages with the barrel 31. For example, the second end 312 of the barrel 31 is partially screwed into the first end portion 332 of the holder 33. The second end portion 333 of the holder 33 is configured for coupled with the first mounting portion 114 so as to mount the camera module 30 in the first mounting portion 114. In the present embodiment, a glass cover 334 an image sensing device 34 are received in the cavity 331 from the first end portion 332 to the second end portion 333 of the holder 33, in the order written. The glass cover 334 is received in the cavity 331 and covers the second end 312 of the barrel 31. The image sensing device 34 includes a ceramic circuit board 336 and an image sensor 335 mounted on the ceramic circuit board 336. The ceramic circuit board 336 is received in the cavity 31 and connects to the second end portion 333 of the holder 33. Thus the image sensor 335 is received in the holder 33 and is disposed at the second end portion 333 of the holder 33. The optical lenses 321 such as the first lens 3211, the second lens 3212, the third lens 3213 and the filter 3214 in the barrel 31 optically communicate with the image sensor 335 in the holder 33 to capture images. The ceramic circuit board 336 electrically connects with the solar cells 20 so that the solar cells 20 supply electrical energy to the camera module 30.

Due to elasticity of the elastic spacer 322, the elastic spacers 322 can absorb all sorts of stresses occurring on the optical lenses 321 such as internal stress and thermal stress, thereby preventing the optical lenses 321 from tilting and moving due to the stresses. Therefore, the camera module 30 has good image quality.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exemplary multifunctional helmet 200 according to a second embodiment is shown. The multifunctional helmet 200 is similar to the multifunctional helmet 100 in the first exemplary embodiment.

However, the multifunctional helmet 200 has two first mounting portions 2114 disposed on an outer surface 2110 of a main body 211. The two first mounting portions 2114 are respectively on two side portions 2112 on two opposite sides of the top portion 2111 of the main body 211. One first mounting portion 2114 is configured for mounting a camera module 230 therein; the other mounting portion 2114 is configured for mounting a media player 240 such as an MP3 player and a radio player therein. The media player 240 connects with an earphone 243. Thus, the user wearing the multifunctional helmet 200 can listen what the media player 240 playing. The camera module 230 and the media player 240 electrically connect with the pellicular solar cells 220 so that the pellicular solar cells 220 supply electrical energy to the camera module 30 and the media player 240. Referring to FIG. 7, in the present embodiment, three pellicular solar cells 220 are in series as a power supply to provide electrical energy for the camera module 30 and the media player 240 in a parallel connection. It is noted that the camera module 230 and the media player 240 can electrically connect with the respective pellicular solar cell 220. Thus, the camera module 230 and the media player 240 each have a power supply.

Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary multifunctional helmet 300 according to a third embodiment is shown. The multifunctional helmet 300 is similar to the multifunctional helmet 100 in the first exemplary embodiment and the multifunctional helmet 200 in the second exemplary embodiment.

However, the multifunctional helmet 300 has an external wire 50. One end of the external wire 50 electrically connects to the pellicular solar cells 220 mounted in the main body 411; the other end of the external wire 50 connects to the media player 440. Thus, the user wearing the multifunctional helmet 300 can control the media player 440 easily.

The multifunctional helmets 100, 200, or 300, as described above, can facilitate environment protection and multi-media entertainments. The user can take pictures and enjoy music when he/she is wearing the multifunctional helmets 100, 200, or 300 in the sun radiation.

While certain embodiment has been described and exemplified above, various other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing disclosure. The present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described and exemplified but is capable of considerable variation and modification without departure from the scope of the appended claims. 

1. A multifunctional helmet, comprising: a main body comprising at least one first mounting portion and at least one second mounting portion; at least one electronic device mounted in the at least one first mounting portion; and at least one solar cell mounted in the at least one second mounting portion, the at least one solar cell electrically being connected with the at least one electronic device so as to provide electric energy to the at least one electronic device.
 2. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a peripheral portion extending from the main body.
 3. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one lace connecting to the main body.
 4. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one electronic device is either a camera module or a media player.
 5. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 4, wherein the media player is either an MP3 player or a radio player.
 6. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main body comprises an outer surface, the outer surface comprises a top portion and opposite side portions at opposite sides of the top portion, the at least one first mounting portion including two first mounting portions arranged on the respective side portions.
 7. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one second mounting portions comprises three second mounting portions on the outer surface, one of the second mounting portions arranged on the top portion of the outer surface, the other two of the second mounting portions arranged on the side portions of the outer surface respectively.
 8. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first mounting portions protrude from the outer surface of the main body.
 9. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second mounting portions each define a recess in the outer surface of the main body.
 10. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second mounting portions each have a transparent cover covering the corresponding recess.
 11. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second mounting portions comprises a plurality of second mounting portions, and the at least one solar cell includes a plurality of solar cells mounted in the respective second mounting portions.
 12. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second mounting portions each define a recess, the recesses in communication with each other.
 13. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one second mounting portion defines a recess, and the at least one first mounting portion defines a recess in communication with the recess of the at least one second mounting portion.
 14. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a media player electrically connected with the at least one solar cell.
 15. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one solar cell comprises a flexible substrate comprised of polymer; a back metal contact layer formed on the substrate; a P-type semiconductor layer formed on the back metal contact layer; a P-N junction layer formed on the P-type semiconductor layer; an N-type semiconductor layer formed on the P-N junction layer; and a front metal contact layer formed on the N-type semiconductor layer.
 16. A multifunctional helmet, comprising: a main body for protecting a head of a user; an electronic device mounted on main body; and a solar cell mounted on the main body for electrical connecting to the electronic device and powering the electronic device.
 17. The multifunctional helmet as claimed in claim 16, wherein the electronic device includes a media player. 